British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke on Monday said the United Kingdom (UK) UK is supportive of the consensus building and reform process to help create a condition for "free, fair and inclusive" elections in Bangladesh. She made the remarks while talking to reporters after a meeting with the Election Commission in the capital. Sarah Cooke said she had a very productive first meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin and his team. France highlights importance of life free from discrimination, violence The CEC said the UK envoy and her team had been to the EC to have an idea about its preparations regarding the next general election and the foreign observer issue. “They (UK) want to provide assistance in the democratic transition of Bangladesh,” he said. Nasir Uddin said they informed the UK diplomat that the voter registration programme now continues and public notification has been issued seeking applications from the political parties that desire to be registered. “Now we will go for procurement soon (targeting the next election). The procurement is a time-consuming matter,” he said. About the election observers, the CEC said the domestic observer policy needs to be revised unlike the foreign observer policy. The EC will initiate the process of seeking applications from the foreign observers timely ahead of the next national election. EC Gearing Up for Polls Nasir Uddin informed Sarah Cooke that since there is a timeline (for election) – the earliest is in December -- the EC is preparing with that in mind. “If the elections are held in December, we will have to announce the election schedule in October. We are preparing in such a way so that we do not miss the timeline,” he said. Bangladesh, Kuwait pledge stronger ties in trade, energy and investment The CEC said the envoy wanted to know what kind of assistance the EC seeks from the UK in the next election. In response, the EC said it is thinking of giving training to election agents and election observers about electoral conduct rules and laws. “We told them if they can help us, they are welcome,” he said.     

The UK-Bangladesh Catalysts of Commerce and Industry (UKBCCI), a prominent organisation representing British-Bangladeshi entrepreneurs, has expressed its intention to expand business operations and investments in Bangladesh. A 22-member UKBCCI business delegation met the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) on Saturday, urging the creation of an investment-friendly environment to attract more British investors and boost economic growth. The delegation, led by UKBCCI Chairman Iqbal Ahmed OBE, is visiting Bangladesh to enhance bilateral relations and explore business opportunities. The delegation includes key figures such as British MP Dr Rupa Huq, UKBCCI President MG Moula Miah MBE, founder President Bajloor Rashid MBE, and other prominent business leaders and professionals. CA Dr Yunus assures UK MP of free, fair polls in Bangladesh Chairman of BIDA, Ashiq Mahmud bin Haroon, presided over the event. BIDA Managing Director Gazi AKM Fazlul Haque and Secretary Dr Dewan Chowdhury were also present. British MP Dr Rupa Huq emphasized the immense investment potential in Bangladesh, particularly in sectors like energy, railways, telecommunications, IT, pharmaceuticals, light engineering, education and ready-made garments (RMG). She highlighted that the country is now one of the most profitable destinations for foreign investment and urged Bangladeshi authorities to streamline investment procedures and provide comprehensive facilities to attract foreign investors. “The special economic zones and hi-tech parks in Bangladesh offer tremendous opportunities for both local and foreign investors,” said Dr Huq. She also mentioned the UK’s strong trade and economic ties with Bangladesh and noted the active participation of British companies in sectors such as agriculture, garments, and pharmaceuticals. UKBCCI Chair Iqbal Ahmed expressed the organization’s interest in exploring opportunities in ICT, garments, infrastructure, engineering, logistics, tourism, financial services, and other sectors. He stressed the importance of collaboration to foster prosperity for both nations. CA's special envoy urges British entrepreneurs to invest in Bangladesh Founder President Bajloor Rashid shared insights on the positive feedback received during the delegation’s discussions with leaders from public and private sectors, including BIDA officials and business bodies. The delegation praised the efforts of the Bangladeshi government in creating investment-friendly economic zones and reiterated their commitment to enhancing cooperation between the two nations to drive mutual growth and development.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday urged the British businesses to invest in Bangladesh, especially in gas and energy  sectors. He made the call while receiving the credentials from new British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke at Bangabhaban. The envoy was ceremonially welcomed at Bangabhaban here this morning. Read more: President Shahabuddin seeks more British investment in Bangladesh's energy sector Welcoming her, the President said, "Britain is a very close friend of Bangladesh. The UK is playing an important role in the economic and technical development of the country." He expressed deep gratitude to the then British Prime Minister Edward Heath and the people of Britain for showing incredible respect to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as he first flew to London after freedom from Pakistani prison in 1972.  “Since then, Bangladesh and the UK started walking together . . . And over time, this relationship has accelerated to various fields, including bilateral and multilateral sectors,” President Sahabuddin added. Read more: Bangladesh will welcome election observers from EU, UK: PM tells outgoing British high commissioner The high commissioner said the UK's partnership with Bangladesh is on a strong foundation at present. Lauding the socio-economic development of Bangladesh, she said her country would always stand by it in its continued development and progress. HC Cooke sought the cooperation of the president in fulfilling her duties. Read more: Sarah Cooke next British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Earlier, on her arrival at Bangabhaban, a smartly turned-out contingent of the horse-mounted President Guard Regiment (PGR) gave the envoy a guard of honour as part of the ceremony. Secretaries concerned to the Bangabhaban were also present during the meeting.